At the heart of an Italian Famila Part 1
TLDRThe transcript offers a glimpse into the cultural dynamics and personal experiences that shaped the creation of the film 'Moonstruck.' It highlights the Italian-American heritage and the importance of dialogue and character interplay in storytelling. The narrative follows the journey of a playwright struggling with financial hardships, who turns to screenwriting, leading to the development of a compelling screenplay that captures the essence of his neighborhood. The casting process, particularly the selection of Cher and Nicolas Cage, is emphasized, showcasing the director's inclusive approach and the actors' unique contributions to their roles.
Takeaways
- 🏠 The speaker grew up in an Irish American household where food, clothing, and appearance were not valued, and sex was a taboo subject.
- 👀 The speaker was drawn to Italian American families due to their openness about sex, vibrant clothing, and delicious food.
- 🎭 The speaker is a playwright who transitioned into screenwriting, leading to the creation of the screenplay for 'Moonstruck'.
- ☕️ 'Moonstruck' was initially passed on by many in the industry, as indicated by the coffee stains on the script cover.
- 🎨 The importance of dialogue and character interplay in a Shanley screenplay is emphasized, highlighting the need to see potential in any script.
- 📚 The characters in 'Moonstruck' are very specific and rooted in the writer's personal experiences and observations.
- 🤝 The first step in working with director Norman Jewison was to meet and read the screenplay aloud together to ensure they were on the same page.
- 🎬 The original title of the film was 'The Bride and the Wolf', but it was changed to 'Moonstruck' to avoid confusion with a horror film.
- 🌟 Casting was a crucial aspect of the film, with Norman being inclusive and seeking the writer's input on major roles.
- 💃 Cher was initially hesitant to take on the role of Loretta Castorini, but eventually committed after being convinced by the writer and director.
- 🎭 Nicolas Cage was cast as Ronnie Cammareri, a role that required an actor who could portray a tormented character, despite his youth and the studio's initial reluctance.
Q & A
What cultural background influenced the speaker's upbringing?
-The speaker grew up in an Irish American household where food, clothing, and general appearance were not highly valued, and discussions about sex were forbidden.
How does the speaker describe the contrast between her Irish American household and the Italian American families in her neighborhood?
-The speaker describes the Italian American families as enjoying great food, being expressive and open in their conversations, including about sex, and having a keen sense of fashion.
What is the significance of the name 'Moonstruck' in the context of the screenplay?
-The name 'Moonstruck' was chosen after the original title 'The Bride and the Wolf' was deemed unsuitable as it sounded like a horror movie. 'Moonstruck' was selected from a list of 10 titles provided by the playwright.
What was the initial reaction of Norman Patrick to the screenplay?
-Initially, Norman Patrick was dismissive of the screenplay, but after reading it himself, he recognized its potential and expressed interest in it.
How did the speaker come to write 'Moonstruck'?
-The speaker, a playwright, decided to write 'Moonstruck' as a way to change her situation after struggling financially from writing plays.
What was the process like for the speaker when meeting with John Shanley?
-The first step was to meet with John Shanley to see if they would get along. This involved reading the screenplay aloud together and playing half of the characters each to ensure they were on the same page.
What was the challenge in casting Cher for the role of Loretta Castorini?
-Cher initially expressed doubts about her suitability for the role, citing her inability to speak with an Italian American accent and feeling that the part was too old for her. However, she was eventually convinced to take the role.
Who suggested Nick Nolte for the role of Ronny Cammareri?
-Cher suggested Nick Nolte to play Ronny Cammareri, and her suggestion ultimately helped him secure the part.
Why was Nicolas Cage chosen for the role of Ronny Cammareri?
-Nicolas Cage was chosen for the role because the speaker perceived him as a tormented soul, capable of delivering the complex and challenging performance required for the character.
What was the studio's concern about casting Nicolas Cage?
-The studio was concerned because Nicolas Cage was much younger than Cher and felt he might not be the right fit for the role.
How did the speaker describe working with Norman Jewison?
-The speaker described working with Norman Jewison as comfortable, as he was inclusive and made efforts to ensure everyone was at ease during the filming process.
Outlines
🏠 Cultural Insights and Childhood Memories
The first paragraph introduces the speaker's deep understanding of Italian-American culture, stemming from their upbringing in an Irish-American household. The speaker contrasts the values of their own family, where food, clothing, and appearance were undervalued, and sex was a taboo subject, with the more open and expressive households of their Italian and Puerto Rican neighbors. The speaker's fascination with these families and their desire to be part of their culture is evident. The paragraph also includes personal anecdotes from several individuals, such as Susan Conte and Tom Canty, Angela and Steve Salsa Macchio, Mary and Rose Donato, and Fred Donato, who share their experiences of marriage and life in the Bronx and Brooklyn. These stories highlight the tight-knit community and the cultural emphasis on family and tradition.
🎬 The Journey of 'Moonstruck' from Script to Screen
The second paragraph delves into the process of creating the film 'Moonstruck', starting with the playwright's decision to write the screenplay to improve his financial situation. The speaker discusses the challenges of getting the script noticed, as it was initially rejected by many due to its coffee-stained cover. However, after reading and loving the script, Norman Patrick Jewison, the director, saw its potential and decided to take on the project. The paragraph highlights the importance of dialogue and character interplay in the screenplay, and the specificity of characters' jobs, such as Loretta Castorini's role as a bookkeeper and Ronnie Cammareri's work in a bakery. The casting process is also discussed, with the speaker sharing insights on how Cher and Nicolas Cage were chosen for their roles, despite initial hesitations from the studio and the actors themselves. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the collaborative nature of working with Norman Jewison and the importance of casting in filmmaking.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Italian-American culture
💡Catholic
💡Sex
💡Playwright
💡Screenplay
💡Dialogue
💡Casting
💡Character development
💡Director
💡Acting
💡Hollywood studio
Highlights
Understanding Italian-American culture through the lens of an Irish-American upbringing.
The contrast between the reserved Irish-American household and the vibrant, open Italian-American families.
The personal journey of Susan Conte towards embracing the Italian-American way of life.
A 53-year marriage story highlighting the longevity and happiness found in Italian-American relationships.
The importance of mutual respect and shared cultural values in forming strong, lasting relationships.
The transformative power of storytelling and dialogue in screenplays, as exemplified by 'Moonstruck'.
The challenges and rewards of transitioning from a playwright to screenwriting for film.
The initial reception and subsequent appreciation of the 'Moonstruck' screenplay.
The creative process of selecting and adapting a title for a film to better reflect its content and appeal.
The significance of meeting and aligning with the director's vision during script development.
The importance of casting in shaping the narrative and characters of a film.
The inclusive casting process and the director's willingness to consider input from the screenplay writer.
Cher's initial reluctance and eventual full commitment to her role in 'Moonstruck'.
The casting of Nicolas Cage as the tormented character, highlighting his intense acting abilities.
The director's vision and the collaborative effort in bringing 'Moonstruck' to life.
The impact of personal experiences and observations on the creation of authentic characters and situations in a screenplay.
The balance between the director's vision and the writer's input in the filmmaking process.